Kimi Antonelli exclusive: The underdog role doesn’t bother me

(Motorsport-Total.com) – It almost feels like a different life compared to the situation twelve months ago. After the first six race weekends of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Kimi Antonelli not only leads the World Championship after five consecutive victories.

Read more Schumacher: George Russell is developing into the «clear number 2»

He has become a figurehead of Formula 1, a status he has earned through results that have surprised even those who already considered him one of the most promising talents of his generation.

To explain the present, the Italian looks back. He recalls the summer of 2025, when there was a series of results that fell short of expectations, and in this context, speculation about his future also arose.

The Mercedes driver describes the Spa weekend 2025 as the low point of this phase, a moment when the future seemed significantly more uncertain than it does today. It was precisely from this experience that the serenity with which he approaches the current season emerged.

Despite leading the World Championship, Antonelli continues to take things race by race, without being distracted by the first psychological games among the title contenders or by the pressure, which, at least from the outside, does not seem to affect him.

In an interview with the Italian edition of Motorsport.com, the Bologna-born driver explains how his approach to Formula 1 has evolved, how his relationship with the Mercedes engineers has grown stronger, and how the self-confidence he gained by overcoming the most difficult phase of his young career has shaped him.

Question: “What is life like as the World Championship leader?”

Kimi Antonelli: “In some ways, life is more hectic, but at the same time, I feel calmer and more at peace with myself. I’m experiencing a wonderful moment, but I try to continue living my life as always and enjoy everything I do as much as possible.”

“And of course, on the track, I try to bring a lot of determination and fighting spirit by setting short-term goals. I don’t want to think about the championship or goals that are still far away at the moment.”

2025 and “the danger of falling into a negative spiral”

Question: “Many drivers have spoken about the stress that comes with fighting for victories and titles. From the outside, you seem like an exception.”

Antonelli: “Before the start of a qualifying session or a race, there’s always tension, but those are the butterflies in your stomach that actually do you good. It’s important to have that feeling because it means you care and you’re giving your all. Overall, however, I’m much less stressed than last year.”

“Today, I feel like I’ve proven something and have the situation better under control. I know I’ll be in Formula 1 next season too, whereas last year there was a moment, during the Belgian weekend, when everything around me seemed much gloomier.”

Question: “How important was it to overcome a difficult phase like last summer’s?”

Antonelli: “I went through a complicated time, but overcoming it made me mentally stronger, both as a driver and, above all, as a person. At a certain point in the season, things on the track weren’t going the way I wanted.”

“Additionally, rumors circulated about a possible move to Alpine or Williams – rumors that were never denied. In such situations, doubts inevitably arise, and there is a danger of falling into a negative spiral.”

Question: “Back to the present. If there’s a free weekend, you’re often seen at the track, for example in Imola at the WEC or in Mugello at MotoGP. Some wonder if it wouldn’t be better to stay home and completely switch off.”

Antonelli: “That’s exactly how I switch off. Staying at home is nice now and then, but I can assure you that visiting these events is anything but stressful for me. It’s my passion and what I love. Besides, being at the track as a spectator and experiencing a race as a fan is a kind of switching off. I probably wouldn’t achieve that at home.”

“If I have these opportunities, I will continue to use them. Of course, there are times when rest is a priority, but right now, watching a race helps me recharge and prepare for the next weekend.”

Question: “The internal balance at Mercedes has also changed. George Russell has already started playing some psychological games to shift the pressure onto you. Does that affect you?”

Antonelli: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such games. People always try to shift the pressure onto their opponent, whether it’s an external rival or a teammate. It doesn’t make much difference.”

“Fortunately, it doesn’t really affect me. We’re only in the first third of the season, and I think it’s definitely too early to talk about a title duel. I work race by race. Of course, at the end of each weekend, I look at the overall standings, but after that, my focus immediately shifts to the next race.”

“When I pull down my visor and go out on track, I don’t think about the championship. I drive to do the best possible job. And as I’ve already said: Since I haven’t won anything yet, I have nothing to lose.”

Read more Schumacher: George Russell is developing into the «clear number 2»

Where Antonelli has improved in 2026

Question: “How much has Kimi Antonelli grown between Monaco 2025 and Monaco 2026, both technically and in collaboration with the engineers?”

Antonelli: “Enormously. It takes time to build and solidify certain relationships, both with ‘Bono’ [race engineer Peter Bonnington] and with all the other engineers. They probably also needed some time to get to know me, which is completely normal. Today, we have a very strong relationship.”

“‘Bono’ has understood and is increasingly understanding what my needs are, what I require, and which details are most important to me. The way he asks me questions in critical moments is also extremely important. Our collaboration is constantly evolving because we are permanently learning from each other.”

The longest winning streaks in Formula 1

Question: “In the paddock, it’s said that one of your strengths is battery management. Is that the result of targeted work or simply a natural consequence of your driving style?”

Antonelli: “We worked a lot on it during the winter break, and we continue to do so. We completed an intensive simulator program, both for the further development of the car and to better understand this power unit and get a feel for battery management.”

“A large part of what I can achieve today is directly based on the preparation that already began last year.”

Question: “Before the start of the season, many assumed that the new rules would require a complete reset in driving style. How was that for you?”

Antonelli: “In a way, I had to adapt, and I think that applied to everyone. But in my case, I immediately had a good feeling with the car, unlike last year. I feel much more in control. Of course, I still make occasional mistakes, but overall, I am significantly more effective.”

Antonelli: “I’m still the underdog”

Question: “You’ve built up a significant lead in the overall standings. Have expectations been exceeded?”

Antonelli: “I would say yes. If someone had offered me this scenario before the start of the championship, I would have signed immediately. It’s good news, but it doesn’t change my approach.”

“I continue to work on maintaining this positive momentum and raising the bar step by step. If you have a competitive car and are expected to unleash its full potential, then you have to aim for great results.”

Question: “If you’re fighting George for the title at the end of the season, do you think you’ll have an advantage in terms of pressure?”

Antonelli: “The goal is to win as many races as possible and, as a consequence, the championship. I am aware that such opportunities don’t come often, but at the same time, I am still the underdog. And that’s a role that doesn’t bother me.”

“Before the start of the season, everyone saw George as the clear favorite, and I think that assessment was justified. He has the complete package to fight for the title, including the experience.”

Question: “Where does Kimi Antonelli stand currently?”

Antonelli: “I believe I can still improve in many areas. There’s no denying that these victories have given me a lot of confidence, but at the same time, I know I have to keep working hard to reach my full potential. That’s exactly what motivates me.”

Question: “Perhaps it’s precisely the uncertainty about how much development potential you still have that worries Russell…”

Antonelli: “I don’t think many expected such a start to the season, especially considering it’s only my second year in Formula 1. It’s possible that this, along with my young age, makes some believe there’s still a lot of room for development. Perhaps that’s also why George sees me as a particularly dangerous rival in the fight for the World Championship.”

Question: “Which compliment has meant the most to you in recent months?”

Antonelli: “The message from Yannick Sinner after my first victory. But I’ve received so many wonderful messages. I’m thinking of Valentino Rossi, Marco Bezzecchi, and Pecco Bagnaia. I talk to ‘Bez’ and ‘Pecco’ quite often. It was special because I’m also a fan of theirs.”

“I believe this mutual support among Italian athletes can be an additional strength. Seeing so many Italian athletes achieve great success gives you extra drive, makes you want to give even more, and fills you with positive energy for the next challenge.”

Read more The Friday drivers of Formula 1 2026 in the overview